Sale Sharks have strengthened their forward resources by signing South Africa international lock Juandre Kruger and Australian prop Kieran Longbottom.

Kruger, capped 17 times for the Springboks, will move to Sale from this season's European Champions Cup quarter-finalists Racing 92.

And Perth-born Longbottom, who is English-qualified through his late maternal grandmother, will leave Saracens to link up with the Sharks.

Kruger, 30, joined Racing in 2013 from the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls, while his earlier career included spending two seasons with Sale's fellow Aviva Premiership club Northampton.

Longbottom, meanwhile, joined Saracens from Western Force in 2014, having played Super Rugby when he was based Down Under.

Reflecting on the signings, Sale rugby director Steve Diamond said: "I sourced Juandre when I headed up the recruitment at Northampton, and he helped Saints to win silverware and also to the Heineken Cup final during his time at Franklin's Gardens.

"He is a highly-rated player and will do a great job for us.

"I am delighted to welcome Kieran on board. He will fit perfectly into our plans, and the pack we are building for next season.

"We have some more signings to announce in the near future. We have been working hard on recruitment, and our signings should do well in the Premiership and excite our supporters."